The secret to preventing and predicting obesity¹ has been revealed by a team of Melbourne researchers, who believe stress and how we respond to it is the key factor to managing our weight.

一只来自墨尔本的研究团队找到了预测和预防肥胖的秘密。他们相信，控制体重的关键因素是我们感受到的压力和我们对压力的应对之道。

The scientists from Monash University found that our response to cortisol, a natural chemical released in the body in times of stress, can determine how much we eat and how quickly we subsequently lose weight.

来自莫纳什大学的科学家们发现，当我们面对压力时，人体会分泌一种叫做皮质醇的天然化学物质，我们对皮质醇的反应决定了我们的食量，进而也决定了我们减重的效率。

The study's leader, Dr Belinda Henry said that people with a high response to cortisol are more likely to eat more when stressed and struggle to shed the kilograms.

该研究项目带头人，贝琳达·亨利博士称，对皮质醇反应强烈的人往往在面临压力时食量更大，想要减重的困难也越大。

The study showed that it was 'low responders' who would adjust their eating habits and reduce their food consumption while plagued with stress, as well as increasing their physical activity.

该研究显示，“低反应者”在面对压力时会调整自己的饮食规律，减少进食量，还会增加自己的运动量。

'High responders', would instead continue with their regular eating habits and exercise would not have a great effect on their muscles, leading to rapid weight gain.

恰恰相反，“高反应者”则会继续保持惯有的饮食习惯，他们的运动量对肌肉起不到足够的锻炼效果，因而体重会迅速上升。

Dr Henry said that further research could help determine better and more effective treatments for obesity.

亨利博士称，他们会进行更深入的研究，为解决肥胖问题找到更好，更有效的治疗方法。

The study is also looking at the effects of useful stress relieving activities including mindfulness, mediation², yoga and exercise.

这项研究也包括对静观、冥想、瑜伽和锻炼等有助于缓解压力的活动的效果的研究。